Which is more useful for protesting the war in Iraq?

Question

My question is whether it is more beneficial for the movement to follow the instructions of police (not blocking road ways etc) and avoid criticism from other factions of the public and not alienate moderates or is it better to use force (non-violent) to make a bigger statement and gain more media coverage even though some of it will be negative.

Yggdrasil - The road blocking I'm talking about in particular is going on at this moment
http://www.theolympian.com/570/story/270279.html

It's been successful in drawing media attention and making an actual physical impact but the price has been its polarizing effect on the community.

Charming - I totally agree with you. I can't think of any circumstance where insulting the soldiers or their loved ones would be acceptable or wise. However, I disagree when some say questioning the war itelf is an insult to the troops period.

Mike - Since when does the military protect American citizens from other American citizens. As far as Iraq goes, we need to stop wasting tax dollars and our soldiers lives and let Iraq deal with it's own problems (most of which we created). You claim to be in the military yet you're eager to continue watching your brethren die over there.

Whoops - You are a complete idiot advocating violence and spitting on soldiers. You give all real activists who stand up for the good of America a bad name. You do more damage to the cause than any neocon ever could.

Answer 1

I will tell you what I personally would prefer as a US Marine who was and is fighting in this war. Dont allienate my family or friends. If you wanna protest thats fine, Im fighting for your right to do so. But dont offend me by insulting my family or my fellow military people with crude actions or blatent insults.

Answer 2

Depends on how much of a kook you are i guess. Why I say that is unless you are talking about future wars, no one is going to listen to you about Iraq. We are there, and the troops aren't going to just pack it in and come home because you say to.
The war on radical islam has been overdue for some time now, they have been messing with the world and our country since the 1700's. Anyone...no matter what the group, that thinks they have the right to do violence against an innocent populus simply to get some sort of twisted recognition or to do so because they think they have the religious right needs to be put down.
I mean after all, think of it, if we as a race progress...suppose we want to colonize mars...all it takes is one nut case with a bomb to shatter the air dome. All it takes is one kook to blow up the transiet transportation. I've yet to see an anti war advocate come up with any alternative that would work. Oh sure, i've seen suggestions, but little were based on reality , far less based on history.
But if you want to have a sit in or die in..all you will accomplish is tick off the people trying to get to their jobs. That's no way to get support. However, little notice when you obey the laws as well, thanks mostly to the oversaturation of the media. They see the support and the protests on the news for every conflict we have, it ends up with a big de-sensitization.
If you really want to be a part of change, then you have to kick the kooks on your side to the curb and come up with some cold hard facts that nail down a valid point as to why or why not America should act.
Once we have engaged, its a bit too late. People in this country like to think, and if they are lied to, you won't gain their trust, if you have facts, that's more convincing..but you need to make a case.

Answer 3

Has it ever occurred to you that you are the type of person we join the military to protect everybody else from? The fact that you are even considering interfering with the lawful activities of other people indicates that you really need to think about what your values really are.

BTW - can you tell us what the consequences would be for the Iraqi people if you succeed and the terrorists take over that country?

Answer 4

You shouldn't protest it.. Support our troops, who are fighting to keep our country safe.. I cant believe people even ask these questions

Answer 5

If you really want to stop this war, you have to vote for Ron Paul.

He is the ONLY trustworthy person running for President.

He is the ONLY member of Congress who always votes his conscience.

Read about his background. This man stands up for what he believes, even when he stands alone. He will not break his word. He will bring ALL the troops home and defend America.

Answer 6

Neither,
Go make a controversial movie, painting, mural, or advertisment, that will get the most attention.

YOU NEVER HAVE TO FOLLOW POLICE INSTRUCTIONS IF THEY ARE IN VIOLATION OF YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS...

Don't block traffic! People get killed for that, not by police but by people on their way to work. Road rage can get real serious.

If you compromise the ideal you stand for you'll never win.

We can't bring freedom to Iraq by conquering, you can't get your point across to someone who disagrees if you've already upset them for something unrelated.

Answer 7

Hi kerry F,

your so right that we have to protest the war in iraq.
only why choose one method? let's do it all. they
underestimate how many thousands of people
really care. our cause has been ignored for too long.

any chance we get, i use violent or non violent methods and
never been caught, so negative perception is a small price.

it all boils down to how commited you are or aren't. the
democrates in the white house will only be emboldened
if we show them the way. I say spit on soldiers, commit
overt acts of mayhem, take and sell drugs to destable
the status quo. and then see if they can ignore us.

.............................................................................................

if you have the cojones and care about this cause then pick this answer as the best... or your really don't do you?

Answer 8

Blocking military shipments huh?

Who would benefit from those shipments being disrupted?
Sounds like insurgents trying to disrupt supply lines and disrupt logistics..................

Sounds like aid and comfort, to me!

Answer 9

cast your vote for the candidates that support your views.

Answer 10

Place a metal garbage can over your head. Then bash it with a sledge hammer. That should get you a lot of attention.